On a quiet residential stretch of Burnley Court in Highlands Ranch, just south of Denver, Abiding Word Lutheran Church opens its doors each Sunday to a community gathered around a perfect Savior. The congregation's motto, Living Lord. Abiding Word., is anchored by the confession of 1 Peter 1:24-25: "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord abides forever." As a member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a nationwide fellowship of more than 400,000 believers, Abiding Word identifies itself as a confessional Lutheran church: rooted in Scripture, centered on Christ, and open to all.
Rooted in Scripture, Centered on Christ
Abiding Word describes itself as a community of imperfect people gathered around a perfect Savior, worshipping together, growing in Scripture, and welcoming anyone who wants to know more about Jesus Christ. The congregation exists for one reason: to proclaim the eternal gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who will hear it.
The church's theology does not shift with the times. Abiding Word holds to the historic Lutheran confessions because the pastors and members believe those confessions faithfully reflect what the Bible teaches about sin, grace, forgiveness, and the life Christ won on the cross. The conviction at the heart of everything is the Reformation refrain: salvation is by God's grace alone, through faith in Christ alone, as revealed in Scripture alone. These are not slogans but the heartbeat of worship, teaching, and ministry.
The WELS fellowship to which Abiding Word belongs extends ties to churches in more than two dozen countries. Locally, that confessional identity shapes every element of congregational life, from the liturgy sung on Sunday morning to the way the church engages its Highlands Ranch neighbors.
Sunday Morning in Two Movements
The Sunday rhythm at Abiding Word is unhurried and clear. Bible study begins at 8:30 AM, and worship follows at 9:30 AM.
The Sunday Bible study opens the morning for anyone who wants to learn, ask questions, and grow alongside others walking the same road. All ages and stages are welcome, and the hour is a natural gathering point for members and visitors before the service.
Worship at 9:30 AM gathers the congregation for song, prayer, the teaching of God's Word, and the celebration of the sacraments. The liturgy follows the historic Lutheran order, with the congregation joining as the body of Christ rather than sitting as an audience. Whether a first-time visitor or a longtime member, all are welcome.
For those who cannot attend in person, the Sunday service is livestreamed online, and an archive of past services and sermons is available to revisit anytime.
Worship Shaped by the Historic Liturgy
Worship at Abiding Word is reverent, Christ-centered, and welcoming. Visitors will not find a praise band, stage lighting, or a smoke machine. The music comes from the organ, the hymns are the ones that have carried the Lutheran faith for generations, and the voices of the congregation fill the room as people sing, confess, and pray together.
The service follows the traditional Lutheran liturgy, joining worshippers to believers who have sung the same words and confessed the same faith across centuries. The same Christ at the center of Luther's Reformation is the Christ Abiding Word worships today, unchanged, undiminished, and fully present among them.
The order of service includes the historic creeds, the confession of sin, and the pronouncement of absolution. Every week the sermon goes deep into Scripture, proclaiming what God has done for humanity in Christ. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are celebrated as means of grace, tangible ways God comes to worshippers, forgives them, and strengthens their faith. In Baptism, God claims his people. At the Lord's Supper, Christ is truly present, and with the bread and cup comes the assurance of forgiveness.
Dress is "respectfully casual." Most people arrive in everyday clothing: jeans, slacks, a nice top. There is no formal dress code, only a culture of modest, appropriate attire. Visitors will feel at home whether they wear a button-down or a flannel.
What We Believe
The Bible, Abiding Word teaches, is truly God's Word, written by prophets and apostles who were "carried along by the Holy Spirit" and gathered under his divine direction over 1,500 years. The church holds that Scripture is 100% accurate and reliable in every matter it addresses and fully reveals everything needed for faith and eternal life. The congregation rejects any effort to limit the Bible's accuracy to only certain subjects or to treat it as merely a historical record.
God exists as one eternal being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This truth of the Trinity cannot be deduced by human reason; it is grasped only by faith. The early Christian church used the word "Trinity" to describe this godhead. Abiding Word identifies God the Father as the Creator, God the Son as the Redeemer, and God the Holy Spirit as the Sanctifier.
All people, from conception, are sinners who cannot stand before a holy and fair God. The church takes seriously the Bible's teaching that the wages of sin is death and that God's holiness condemns sinners to eternal death in a literal and eternal hell. There is no minimizing sin and no denying the consequences.
Salvation comes through Jesus Christ. God sent his Son to live a perfect life in humanity's place and to suffer the punishment of sin on the cross. Through these acts Christ saved all people from their sins, and his resurrection guarantees that salvation to all who believe. The church rejects any teaching that says people can be saved apart from faith in Jesus Christ, or that suggests Jesus was not truly God and truly man.
The church itself is God's household, made up of all those everywhere who call on his name in true faith. The mark of a church is the gospel of Jesus coming through the Word rightly taught and the sacraments rightly administered: Baptism and Holy Communion. The mission of Christ's church is to go into all the world and teach the gospel so that more may believe and be saved.
Children at the Center
Children are welcomed as full participants in worship at Abiding Word. As the church explains, children are not a distraction from worship; they are part of it. Wiggles, whispers, and the occasional outburst are part of the family atmosphere, and the words of Matthew 21:16 frame the welcome: "From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise."
During the service, children are invited to attend JAM Kidz, an age-appropriate lesson time designed to bring the Gospel to life for young hearts. A nursery is also available for the littlest ones. Parents who prefer to keep their children close are just as welcome to keep them in the service. JAM Kidz is planned and run by a dedicated volunteer team, one of the many ministry teams at Abiding Word that carry out the church's life together.
Ministries for Every Stage of Life
Abiding Word organizes its ministry life around a wide array of teams, each led by volunteers who love God and love people. The Worship Team prepares gospel-centered services through music, choir, and sanctuary decorations. The Adult Discipleship Team advances the spiritual growth of the congregation and promotes Christian fellowship among members. The Women's Ministry Team plans service opportunities, Bible studies, and events for women, led by women.
For younger adults, the 20s & 30s Fellowship provides opportunities to gather and connect with others navigating a similar stage of life. The Member Care Team assists in the care of souls within the church family. The Leadership Team develops and administers the annual ministry plan. The Administration Team manages the office and provides support to the pastor and ministry leaders, and the Property Team keeps the building and grounds in good repair.
Bible study is woven through the week. In addition to the Sunday morning hour before worship, a monthly Women's Bible Study led by Pastor Martin Valleskey meets on the third Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM, and a monthly men's breakfast gathering called Bible and Bacon meets the first Saturday of each month.
Bible and Bacon and Other Regular Gatherings
Bible and Bacon is a men's Bible study built around two good things: God's Word and a hot breakfast. The group meets the first Saturday of each month at 8:30 AM at Living Savior Lutheran Church in nearby Littleton, gathering for food, fellowship, and honest conversation about Scripture and how it shapes daily life.
For women, the Women's Bible Study meets on the third Saturday of each month at 9:00 AM at the church. Pastor Valleskey leads the discussion, and there are usually tasty snacks to go along with the conversation. The current series, "Conversations That Matter: Biblical Encouragement to Speak the Truth in Love," reflects the church's commitment to honest, grace-filled conversation grounded in Scripture.
Community Spanish Lessons offer adult beginners a chance to learn the language in a seven-week course each fall, meeting Saturdays at 10:30 AM. The lessons are open to the wider community, with a small fee to cover materials, and are one of several ways Abiding Word opens its doors to neighbors beyond the congregation.
Reaching Out to Highlands Ranch
The Outreach and Evangelism Team is the congregation's arm for connecting Abiding Word to the surrounding community. Led by Mike Lamb, the team runs community connection events with the goal of Connect, Invite, Transform. Their approach combines bringing people to the church through Sunday worship, Christmas Outreach, Advent by Candlelight, Easter Outreach, a Fall Festival, and a Mommy and Me Program, with going into the community through partnerships with local non-profits and events.
Two ongoing community partnerships anchor this work. The All-Stars Club is a non-profit providing a place of belonging centered on fun, friends, and faith for individuals with developmental disabilities, while giving parents and caregivers a needed respite. The Backpack Society is a 100% community-supported non-profit food pantry with a mission to feed kids on weekends when they are away from school.
Each fall, Abiding Word hosts an Oktoberfest fundraiser with food, cold beer, fun games, and new friendships, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the All-Stars Club. The community is warmly invited to attend. Other seasonal events include a Thanksgiving Eve service of thanks, Advent by Candlelight for women, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, and a Mommy and Me Program throughout the year.
Pastor Martin Valleskey and the Leadership Team
Pastor Martin Valleskey serves as the church's pastor. He writes a regular midweek message published online, drawing readers into thoughtful engagement with Scripture. Recent reflections have explored unity and valuing others, the prophet Jonah and compassion for those we find hard to love, the danger of becoming comfortable with bitterness, and how to point out a fellow Christian's faults in a Christ-like way. Each message connects a biblical passage to everyday life with warmth and clarity, and all are available to read online.
The church's lay leadership includes Brad Broulliette as Chairman, Mike Lamb leading Outreach and Evangelism, Jeff Schmidt overseeing Administration, and Paul Kock managing Property. Together with the pastor and ministry team leaders, they shepherd a congregation that runs on the gifts and energy of its volunteers.
For those interested in baptism, confirmation, Christian weddings, biblical counseling, or simply learning more about God's Word, the church invites visitors to reach out through its contact page, where a pastor or ministry leader will respond within a few days. Baptism and Confirmation request forms are also available online for child and adult baptisms, and youth and adult confirmations.
Visiting Abiding Word
Abiding Word gathers at 8391 Burnley Court in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The Sunday Bible study begins at 8:30 AM and worship follows at 9:30 AM. Dress is respectfully casual, and children are welcome both in the service and in JAM Kidz. Services are livestreamed online, and an archive of past services and sermons is available for anyone who wants to revisit a message.
Giving can be made online through the church's secure giving page, supporting the congregation, community outreach, and the proclamation of the gospel. The church office can be reached at 303-791-3315 or by emailing secretary@awlc.org.
For lifelong Lutherans, for the newly curious, and for anyone searching for a community rooted in Scripture and centered on Christ, Abiding Word extends a warm welcome to Highlands Ranch and the wider south Denver metro area.